BoSox operating as if Yankees have not forsaken Santana

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- It is hard to find anyone in baseball who believes the Yankees are truly out of the running for Johan Santana. And the Boston Red Sox are operating under the assumption that the Yankees have not conceded on Santana.

Despite Senior Vice President Hank Steinbrenner's declaration Tuesday that the "thing is over," people point to a similar stance on Alex Rodriguez that was eventually forgotten.

The Yankees can hardly afford the Boston Red Sox to widen the gap between the teams by acquiring Santana.

A baseball official close to Boston management, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to disclose information, confirmed the Red Sox and Twins today are continuing to negotiate on players in a possible deal. And, the official said, the Red Sox are making offers as if there is still competition for Santana.

The official said that opposed to 24 hours earlier -- when the Red Sox were waiting to hear back from the Twins -- the teams are engaged, and that increases the likelihood of a deal.

And while one rumor had the deal in trouble because Minnesota learned Boston outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury just switched agents to Scott Boras, the official said the Twins are still interested in Ellsbury.